The Forgotten Counsel: Joseph's Example and Our Stewardship

How often do we find ourselves nodding along to General Conference addresses, feeling a momentary surge of inspiration, only to return to the familiar patterns of our lives? It’s a question that’s been weighing on my mind lately, particularly after substituting for Gospel Doctrine this past Sunday and revisiting the narrative of Joseph in Egypt. Genesis 37-50 is a rich tapestry of betrayal, providence, and ultimately, redemption, yet the core lesson – the imperative to lay up stores during times of plenty – seems to consistently slip through our grasp.

The video below explores this very point. It's not enough to simply recount the events; we must wrestle with the implications for our own lives. What does it mean to truly learn from the past, and how does that translate into action?

The prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Store up all your treasures, not only of the temporal, but of the spiritual.” (HC 6:301) And yet, how often do we find ourselves living hand-to-mouth, neglecting the vital principle of preparation? It's easy to be swept away by the current of the moment, to rationalize our inaction with the promise of future abundance. But the Book of Mormon consistently echoes a different message: remember, remember, remember. The Nephites, facing cycles of prosperity and adversity, understood the necessity of storing up provisions, both physical and spiritual, as a matter of covenant obedience. They remembered the blessings of the past and anticipated the challenges of the future. We, too, are heirs to that same covenant and are therefore bound by the same principles.

Consider the context of our current economic climate, the anxieties surrounding global instability, and the prophetic warnings we have consistently received. Are we truly heeding the counsel of the Brethren to be debt-free, to build reserves, and to cultivate self-sufficiency? Or are we content to leave our future to chance, trusting in the fickle whims of a world governed by uncertainty?

This isn’t merely a matter of personal finance; it’s a matter of discipleship. It’s a reflection of our faith in God’s promises and our willingness to act in accordance with His will. To ignore the counsel to prepare is to implicitly reject the very notion of divine providence. It is to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term security, and to demonstrate a lack of trust in the Lord's ability to bless us.

The story of Joseph also highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. His ability to see God's hand in his suffering, to recognize that even the betrayal of his brothers ultimately served a higher purpose, is a testament to his unwavering faith. But even that profound act of grace wouldn't have been possible without the foundation of preparation and stewardship he had diligently established during the seven years of plenty.

Let us, as Latter-day Saints, strive to be more than mere spectators of Joseph’s story. Let us be active participants in the principles he exemplified. Let us remember the lessons of the past, heed the counsel of the prophets, and diligently prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Let us, in short, live as true stewards of the blessings we have been given.

What are you doing today to prepare for tomorrow?